iOS pull request previews

Run an iOS Pull Request in Simulator

Give every iOS pull request a Run in Simulator button. Reviewers can open the app on a Mac with one click.

4 minute read
01

What reviewers get

The pull request shows a Run in Simulator button. A reviewer selects it to open that version of the app in iOS Simulator on their Mac.

The reviewer does not need a local copy of the project. They only need repository access, Xcode, and the SimPreview Mac app.

02

Set it up once

A repository owner connects the iOS repository. A developer adds the CI step. Each reviewer installs the Mac app and signs in with GitHub.

  • Connect only the repository you need.
  • Use a shared Xcode scheme.
  • Ask each reviewer to prepare their own Mac.

Next: Follow the setup steps

03

Review every change

Open the pull request after CI finishes. Select Run in Simulator and check the feature. New commits keep the review tied to the same pull request.

Use comments in the pull request for feedback. The team can discuss the code and the running app in one place.

COMMON QUESTIONS

What teams ask

Does the app run in a browser?

No. It opens in Apple’s iOS Simulator on the reviewer’s Mac.

Does the reviewer need the project?

No. They need GitHub access, Xcode, and the SimPreview Mac app.

Do all CI checks need to finish first?

No. The preview can be ready while other checks continue.

TRY ONE PULL REQUEST

Give your team a build they can open.

Start with one repository. You can add the rest later.

Create your setup